Epstein-Barr virus and your oral health

How can Epstein-Barr virus affect your oral health?

The most usual disease related to the Epstein-Barr virus or the EBV is the infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis is usually referred to as mono or as the kissing disease. Some of the symptoms of this disease include fever, enlarged glands, fatigue, and a sore throat. The virus is found in the saliva of the person and can move easily from person to person through the exchange of saliva. More of the virus is in the saliva of the person if the person has a fever.

The Epstein-Barr virus can also cause oral sores, lesions, or patches, normally referred to as hairy leukoplakia. These usually show up on the side of your tongue and it is very common in people who have a weak immune system. Hairy leukoplakia does not need any treatment and it will eventually go away if you take antiviral drugs. The problem is that it will return after drug therapy is halted. Epstein-Barr virus is linked to nasopharynx cancer. If you have Epstein-Barr then you could infect dental care personnel so avoid any non-urgent dental treatment as much as possible.

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